University crises Sensemaking and discursive leadership in moments of uncertainty

Colleges and universities serve as sites for learning, development, and maturation. In unfortunate, yet ever-increasing circumstances, however, these same institutions become scenes of sadness, terror, and uncertainty. From campus shootings and student suicides to faculty dismissals and student protests, these moments of "crisis" both create and necessitate opportunities for sensemaking. In this project, I conduct a qualitative study of the ways in which university administrators make sense of and respond to institutional crises. Using Weick's (1985) notion of retrospective sensemaking, I theoretically reframe crisis as a discursive opportunity for leaders. Keywords: sensemaking, university crises, crisis communication, leadership, discursive opportunities, self-reflection